Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for a diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis in Niger, as reported by Reuters on August 7, 2023.

 He stressed the importance of extending the deadline set by ECOWAS, which had expired the night before.

In a statement to La Stampa newspaper, Tajani stated, "The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today." The situation escalated when Niger closed its airspace on August 6, 2023, without any indication of when it will reopen.

The closure came amid perceived threats of military intervention by the West African regional bloc in response to the coup that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

 Currently, President Bazoum remains in detention, contributing to tensions and uncertainties in Niger's political landscape. The coup leaders' rejection of the deadline complicates the resolution process, leaving ECOWAS with limited options to ensure a peaceful transition of power.

Following the July 26 coup, thousands of junta supporters gathered at a stadium in Niamey, expressing their approval of not yielding to external pressure to step down by ECOWAS's deadline. The gathering highlighted the deep divide within the country over the legitimacy of the current leadership.